In brief:
Life saving

The usual first step after a concerning clinical breast exam is a mammogram and possibly an ultrasound.

If there are abnormal findings on those tests, then either a short term follow-up study or a biopsy of some sort - needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, lumpectomy, etc - may be indicated. If the mammogram / sonograms are normal, but the abnormal physical exam persists, then a biopsy is warranted.

In brief:
Life saving

The usual first step after a concerning clinical breast exam is a mammogram and possibly an ultrasound.

If there are abnormal findings on those tests, then either a short term follow-up study or a biopsy of some sort - needle biopsy, incisional biopsy, lumpectomy, etc - may be indicated. If the mammogram / sonograms are normal, but the abnormal physical exam persists, then a biopsy is warranted.
Would you like to video or text chat with me?

Bottom line is that mammograms are now more woman friendly. Soft pads can be used to soften the tightness of the machine, many techs are sensitive to draping women with respect and reassuring during the exam, biopsies can be done with good local pain/anesthesia control. Also American Cancer Society and others have a variety of support groups about women's breast health and breast cancer treatment

In brief:
Hassles include:

If 'cancer', is it invasive or confined to duct (dcis)? Most have choice of breast conservation or mastectomy. If lumpectomy, you may need radiotherapy if you want to keep your breast. All lumps emoved are tested for receptors. Hormones and chemotherapy depend on these, and presence of lymph nodes. These hassles can save your life.

In brief:
Hassles include:

If 'cancer', is it invasive or confined to duct (dcis)? Most have choice of breast conservation or mastectomy. If lumpectomy, you may need radiotherapy if you want to keep your breast. All lumps emoved are tested for receptors. Hormones and chemotherapy depend on these, and presence of lymph nodes. These hassles can save your life.
Would you like to video or text chat with me?

Bottom line is that mammograms are now more woman friendly. Soft pads can be used to soften the tightness of the machine, many techs are sensitive to draping women with respect and reassuring during the exam, biopsies can be done with good local pain/anesthesia control. Also American Cancer Society and others have a variety of support groups about women's breast health and breast cancer treatment

In brief:
Breast biopsy

For most patients who are found to have a "suspicious" abnormality on mammography (or examination), the biggest hassle is the waiting period between being told this and the definitive diagnosis.

The best way to diagnose a suspicious abnormality is by a non-surgical needle biopsy, either done by a breast surgeon or radiologist. The sooner you know, the sooner you can put this to rest.

In brief:
Breast biopsy

For most patients who are found to have a "suspicious" abnormality on mammography (or examination), the biggest hassle is the waiting period between being told this and the definitive diagnosis.

The best way to diagnose a suspicious abnormality is by a non-surgical needle biopsy, either done by a breast surgeon or radiologist. The sooner you know, the sooner you can put this to rest.
Would you like to video or text chat with me?

Bottom line is that mammograms are now more woman friendly. Soft pads can be used to soften the tightness of the machine, many techs are sensitive to draping women with respect and reassuring during the exam, biopsies can be done with good local pain/anesthesia control. Also American Cancer Society and others have a variety of support groups about women's breast health and breast cancer treatment

In brief:
More comfort

Bottom line is that mammograms are now more woman friendly.

Soft pads can be used to soften the tightness of the machine, many techs are sensitive to draping women with respect and reassuring during the exam, biopsies can be done with good local pain/anesthesia control. Also american cancer society and others have a variety of support groups about women's breast health and breast cancer treatment.

In brief:
More comfort

Bottom line is that mammograms are now more woman friendly.

Soft pads can be used to soften the tightness of the machine, many techs are sensitive to draping women with respect and reassuring during the exam, biopsies can be done with good local pain/anesthesia control. Also american cancer society and others have a variety of support groups about women's breast health and breast cancer treatment.
Would you like to video or text chat with me?